The 1720 delivers full 64-bit computing capability with dual AMD Opteron processors. This architecture maintains compatibility with 32-bit codes while unleashing powerful 64-bit features and capabilities. The 1720 supports traditional single-core processors (248, 250, 252, or 254) as well as the newer dual-core processors (265, 270, 275, or 280).

The 1720 also boasts an impressive memory subsystem, including the ability to house and address 16GB of system RAM. Processes are not limited to ~4GB as was the case for 32-bit architectures. Applications requiring large RAM footprints like databases or engineering modeling programs can hence execute much bigger datasets or models.

The 1720 can accomodate eitehr one PCI Express x16 card or opne PCI-X card (operating at 100MHz) using an optional riser card. Adding an infiniband card to the PCIe slot makes the 1720 a formiddable compute node for a tightly-coupled cluster.

The 1720's cooling subsystem has been specifically designed to provide a robust cooling solution and to keep processors and RAM operating correctly even in the most demanding environments.